Brookfield Zoo

Last year we had a great time at the zoo, except for the heat. So this year we decided to go earlier in the year. It was a beautiful day to be at the zoo. Nana joined us this year too!

Watching the monkeys.

The Petting Zoo.

You can tell from the number of pictures that the petting zoo was a favorite. The highlight of the day was the polar bear though, who was super playful and entertaining when we were visiting him. Unfortunately it was packed and I couldn't get a picture.

Goldfish snack on Dada's shoulders.

After a fun day at the zoo, Nana bought Ben a stuffed animal. After they investigated all the options, Ben settled on a tiger.

While they looked at the stuffed animals, I snapped this picture. Which was a bad idea. Because then Mike decided he should take a few pictures. And we all know how great those turn out.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

Exhibit D:

And with this "action shot" of me applying chap stick, I could rest my case.

But there are more...

Really, Mike? Really?

I got the camera back as Ben helped Nana pay.

Ben's new best friend!

On our way out, this car captured Ben's attention.

And on that note, it was off to a quick lunch and a nap! See you next year, Brookfield Zoo!

River Walk

Mike had a craving for Egg Harbor (a favorite breakfast place) last weekend, so we headed to downtown Naperville for breakfast.

We promised Ben he could see the duckies at the river walk afterwards. Here he and Dada are watching the ducks swim by.

Then we went exploring. Ben loved splashing around in this fountain.

And climbing these steps and chasing Dada. After a few minutes playing, they headed off. Hey, thanks for waiting for me guys!

Memorial Day

On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, it was almsot 100 degrees. That meant it was time to break out the kiddie pool I picked up on clearance last fall.

Dada got to work inflating it. But Ben had to help, of course. He was actually a pretty good helper.




Once the pool was inflated, Ben hopped in to "help" fill it, which basically just means he wanted to play with the hose.

Not sure what I'm doing here?

Or here? Side note: Ben picked this hat out himself the day before while we were shopping. 

After Ben went down for a nap, Mike took a turn. In his shorts. With a cigar. And his clothes strewn about the yard. Class act.

We broke out the sprinkler later too. Ben loved it, but he did his best to stay as far to the side as possible.

Planning his best approach to get through the sprinkler unscathed.

Discussing his strategy with Denise.

Plan in action.

After all that effort and heat, we went inside to cool off and relax. Brad and Denise were subjected to a lot of the Three Little Pigs movie. "Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" will never leave our heads.

And we capped it off with some relaxation before bed. It was quite a day!